Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bio-degradable thermoplastic aliphatic polymer produced from lactic acid using various crops like corn, sugarcane, tapioca etc. as a raw material. Similar to other sustainable bioplastics, PLA has a huge market potential to be used in various packaging applications of food, beverages and other consumer product that have short shelf-life. Additionally, owing to its versatile characteristics, the material can be used in various high value applications in numerous end-user industries including textiles, constructions and automotive. Therefore, the production and consumption of the sustainable material is being facilitated by various governments around the world.World Polylactic Acid Market - Opportunities and Forecast, 2014 - 2020Research BeamModel: Research BeamProduct ID: 3569335370USDNew

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bio-degradable thermoplastic aliphatic polymer produced from lactic acid using various crops like corn, sugarcane, tapioca etc. as a raw material. Similar to other sustainable bioplastics, PLA has a huge market potential to be used in various packaging applications of food, beverages and other consumer product that have short shelf-life. Additionally, owing to its versatile characteristics, the material can be used in various high value applications in numerous end-user industries including textiles, constructions and automotive. Therefore, the production and consumption of the sustainable material is being facilitated by various governments around the world.

Increasing consumer awareness, government incentives and easy availability of raw materials are the major factors driving market growth. However, the cost of PLA is comparatively higher than synthetic plastics, thus becoming a primary restraining factor for the market growth.

The global PLA market has been segmented based on applications as packaging, agriculture, electronics, textiles, bio-medical and others. In 2014, packaging application garners the highest share of 65.2% in the in global PLA market. This is principally due to the unique mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of PLA, which makes it a suitable material for packaging applications. Based on geography, the global polylactic acid market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA regions. North America is the largest producer and consumer of PLA and accounted for about 49.6% of the global consumption in 2014. The North American region would continue to lead the market owing to large production capacity, feedstock abundancy, supportive legal framework, and rising consumer awareness for sustainability. However, the Asia Pacific market would grow at the highest rate due to upcoming production facilities in China and Thailand coupled with growing adoption of PLA in China, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.